Overview Of Malignant pleural mesothelioma
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive cancer that arises from the mesothelial cells lining the pleura, the protective membrane surrounding the lungs. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, with a latency period of 20-50 years between exposure and disease onset. MPM is characterized by symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and pleural effusion (fluid accumulation in the pleural space). The disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making treatment challenging. Prognosis is generally poor, with a median survival of 12-18 months. Multimodal treatment approaches, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, are used to manage the disease and improve quality of life. ---
Symptoms of Malignant pleural mesothelioma
- Symptoms of MPM include:
- Chest pain: Often localized and persistent.
- Shortness of breath: Due to pleural effusion or tumor growth.
- Cough: Dry or productive.
- Weight loss: Unintentional and significant.
- Fatigue: From systemic illness.
- Pleural effusion: Fluid accumulation causing lung compression. ---
Causes of Malignant pleural mesothelioma
- The primary cause of MPM is asbestos exposure, with additional risk factors including:
- Occupational exposure: In industries like construction, shipbuilding, or mining.
- Environmental exposure: Living near asbestos mines or contaminated sites.
- Genetic predisposition: Certain genetic mutations may increase susceptibility.
- Simian virus 40 (SV40): A potential cofactor in some cases. ---
Risk Factors of Malignant pleural mesothelioma
- Risk factors for MPM include:
- Asbestos exposure: The primary risk factor.
- Age: Most cases occur in individuals over
- Gender: Men are more commonly affected due to occupational exposure.
- Smoking: While not a direct cause, it exacerbates lung damage. ---
Prevention of Malignant pleural mesothelioma
- Preventive measures include:
- Asbestos avoidance: Strict regulations and protective measures in high-risk industries.
- Screening: For individuals with known asbestos exposure.
- Public awareness: Educating about the risks of asbestos. ---
Prognosis of Malignant pleural mesothelioma
- The prognosis for MPM is generally poor:
- Median survival: 12-18 months, depending on stage and treatment.
- Early-stage disease: Better outcomes with aggressive multimodal therapy.
- Advanced disease: Palliative care focuses on symptom management. ---
Complications of Malignant pleural mesothelioma
- Complications of MPM include:
- Pleural effusion: Requiring repeated thoracentesis or pleurodesis.
- Respiratory failure: Due to tumor progression or lung compression.
- Cachexia: Severe weight loss and muscle wasting.
- Metastasis: Spread to distant organs like the liver or bones. ---
Related Diseases of Malignant pleural mesothelioma
- MPM is associated with:
- Asbestosis: A non-malignant lung disease caused by asbestos.
- Lung cancer: Another asbestos-related malignancy.
- Benign pleural diseases: Such as pleural plaques or effusions. Understanding MPM and its management is critical for improving patient outcomes.
Treatment of Malignant pleural mesothelioma
Treatment options for MPM include: 1. **Surgery**: - Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) for early-stage disease. - Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) in select cases. 2. **Chemotherapy**: - Cisplatin and pemetrexed as first-line therapy. 3. **Radiation therapy**: - Adjuvant or palliative radiation to control symptoms. 4. **Immunotherapy**: - Checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab or nivolumab. 5. **Multimodal therapy**: Combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. ---
Generics For Malignant pleural mesothelioma
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